The Boss Welcomes Obama To The White House + Other Inaugural News

The Washington Postis reporting that Bruce Springsteen and that something street band of his will play welcoming committee for Barack Obama’s inauguration when they perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. OK, I don’t want to get all fanboy up in here, but that’s totally amazing. To see one of my musical heroes play where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech, celebrating the inauguration of the nation’s first black president? Oh, man. This gives my little liberal self a case of the vapors!

(takes some deep breaths)

Anyway, it looks to be pretty close to a done deal, and it’s not surprising, given The Boss’ support of Obama during the campaign, not to mention the fortuitous timing of his new album and Super Bowl gig.

I’ve noticed a real uptick in people caring who plays the Inauguration this year, and I reckon it’s because there is a potential for actual good, non-Martina McBride artists to play the thing. The American Music Inaugural Ball is split into two events: the Urban Ball and the Legends Ball. The Legends Ball is hosted by psychic friend Dionne Warwick and gospel star Yolanda Adams, and the lineup is filled with… er, legends. It’s a pretty nice list: Dennis Edwards of the Temptations, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, Marvin Sapp, Peter, Paul & Mary, Nancy Wilson, Chuck Jackson, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Kirk Franklin, Taraji Henson, the H.B. Barnum Orchestra, the Caravans, Smokie Norful, and Tito Puente, Jr.

Wait. Is Taraji Henson a legend now? She was pretty good in Hustle and Flow and all, and I guess she was alright in the disappointing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but I like how they sneaked her in the middle of some honest-to-goodness legends while we weren’t looking. That’s a classic press release maneuver!

The Urban Ball is hosted by Big Boi and controversial Obama supporter Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and features T-Pain, David Banner, Athena Cage, Cedric The Entertainer, The Cheetah Girls, Fantasia, Monica, Bella Steez, Latin American Idol winner Carlos Pena, Goapele, and Bobby Valentino. Is it weird that I’d be more excited about the Legend Ball?

Here’s where it gets a little strange. “Fab Fiver” and NBA analyst Jalen Rose and noted actor/gay-hater Isaiah Washington will “Rock the Ball for Barack” in a segment at the Urban Ball, which, as far as I can tell, means that some NBA players are going to sign a basketball and give it to Obama, along with a videotaped message. Wow! That’s using your celebrity to do some good! Forget the economy and Gaza and everything else bad in the world… y’all signed a basketball and gave it to the President-Elect. Good job, everybody. Your work here is done!

If you are waiting on actors and sports figures to fix the economy or Gaza……..well you will be waiting a very long time.

iantenna

@TriedandTrue: not to mention THE HOPE keeps appointing anti-union, pro-israel, horrible fucks to his cabinet.

dyfl

Wait. Why is anybody still talking to Isaiah Washington? Like, ANYBODY? This includes cashiers at the grocery store.

Audif Jackson Winters III

This just in: people who agree with you on some important stuff don’t agree with you on other important stuff.

MameDennis

Gaack, I just managed to erase my comment before posting. (It was a few sentences which essentially boiled down to: “Bruce! Squeee!”)

Also, I’m happy that the Inaugural balls might not be a bunch of stultifying anti-parties, designed mainly to suck the joy out of having won. (Not that it affects me this time–I’ll be home enjoying the proceedings on TV.)

Chris N.

Remember when Bush “danced” with Ricky Martin at his inaugural ball? That’s when I knew we were doomed.

Anonymous

I was kind of surprised to have not heard until now any rumors or speculation on Springsteen playing at the inauguration. I look forward to it.